Only then did the audience realize the match was shorter than they had expected.
After two fierce exchanges, Cynthia had only one Pokémon left to use.
"The match is entering its final stage! Everyone, we're about to witness the climax of this championship battle! Don't miss it!"
The commentator's call left the audience eager for more.
That was right. The main event was only just beginning!
Cynthia thought so, and so did Baimu!
He raised a hand to recall Gengar, then steadied his breathing and calmed himself.
It was impossible not to feel nervous facing Cynthia. He might have beaten her countless times in the games, but a real battle was another matter.
Like the moment Spiritomb used Smokescreen to block the Recall Beam, keeping Corsola on the field.
Or the moment Gengar and Spiritomb tangled inside the Sealing Stone, when a Dazzling Gleam nearly knocked out Spiritomb while it had Destiny Bond in play.
Both had sorely tested his composure.
"At a time like this, I feel safest leaving it to you." Baimu gripped the silver-gray Heavy Ball, murmured under his breath, and threw it forward!
Bang!
Light flashed.
"Grrr."
With a heavy thud, the massive Aggron landed. Its gleaming silver armor was a reassuring sight.
The commentator cried excitedly, "Baimu's next Pokémon is—his ace, Aggron!"
His ace!
The ace they had not seen in so long!
The last time it had fought was Baimu's Great Ball Class match against Alain.
The audience welcomed Aggron with thunderous cheers.
Rarity made something precious. People clamored to watch Legendary Pokémon battle, or even to fight one themselves.
Baimu brought out the Big Monster so rarely that its mere appearance was a thrill.
Cynthia and the Garchomp she had sent out both paused in surprise.
"Garch..."
Garchomp was taking damage from Stealth